Islamabad: Asharq Al Awsat

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have agreed to bolster cooperation in the fields of food security and agriculture, as both sides look to increase the value of Pakistani agricultural and food exports to the Kingdom to $3 billion.

The announcement was detailed in a joint statement issued at the conclusion of a high-level Saudi delegation’s official visit to Pakistan from August 26 to 28. Led by Saudi Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Abdulrahman Alfadley, the delegation included senior officials from the ministry, the General Food Security Authority, and other relevant government entities.

The discussions focused on the rice, red meat, and fruit sectors, as well as fruit concentrates, green fodder, and water-efficient agricultural technologies.

Pakistani rice supplies to the Saudi market reached approximately 169,000 tons in 2025, with an estimated value of $163 million, while annual meat supplies totaled around 30,000 tons, valued at $167 million. Saudi Arabia has expressed its desire to double the volume of meat supplies in the future.

The two sides agreed to increase the share of Pakistani fruit exports and fruit concentrates in the Saudi market, empower the private sector, and facilitate communication between business leaders, alongside expanding mutual recognition of quality certificates.

The two sides also discussed opportunities to expand the green fodder trade and build long-term supply partnerships, while Saudi Arabia encouraged Pakistan to join the International Dates Council, an invitation welcomed by Islamabad.

During the visit, Saudi Arabia reviewed investment proposals from Pakistani companies across the livestock, agricultural manufacturing, and rice value chain sectors, with both sides agreeing to coordinate on exploring and exploiting these opportunities.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their comprehensive strategic partnership. Pakistan welcomed the invitation to attend the 43rd Saudi Agriculture Exhibition, scheduled to be held in Riyadh in October, and both parties agreed to maintain ongoing coordination to follow up on the implementation of the reached understandings.

Published Date: September 1, 2026